Tax blunders that trip up lots of filers

10:51 AM,
Apr. 14, 2012

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What does preparing your taxes have in common with getting a nose job? Both are a lot less painful if they're done right the first time.

This year, though, there are myriad possibilities for tax-filing errors that are more than cosmetic. Sure, you could file an amended return, but that takes time, not to mention money if you have to pay someone to do it.

One of the most effective ways to avoid costly errors is to make sure you dig out a copy of last year's tax return before you tackle your taxes. There are numerous items on the 2011 tax return that could be affected by information from previous year's ...